Parking in Orlando Florida

[Guest]

I may be moving to Florida and I have, well will have a box van converted to a home. I am wondering how much would a season pass be to stay there, the reason im asking is it may not be worth the build if i can get a apartment for cheaper so my question is how much would it cost to be there? <br>

 

[Guest]

Well I plan to go there for collage so like a rv park or if I have to just a place to stay for free as well would work so long as i can find a place for water and electricity I would be much happy.<br>

 

[cyndi]

<A href="http://tinyurl.com/3jgu8wt" target=_blank target=_blank><FONT size=3><B>RV Parks, Orlando, Florida</B></FONT></A><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3></FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>This link </FONT><A href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Florida/Orlando.html" target=_blank target=_blank><FONT size=3>http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Florida/Orlando.html</FONT></A><FONT size=3>&nbsp;has prices, etc.&nbsp; I think you'll have to call to see if they have an extended/monthly rate.&nbsp; something to keep in mind: many places require special permits for extended stays (say longer than a seasonal stay) so if you're planning on going to school, you may have to find a more residential kind of park.&nbsp; Also,many parks in touristy areas have rules with regard to the type and age of a mobile home...&nbsp; </FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>You've got your research cut out for you...</FONT>&nbsp; <BR>

 

[Guest]

Do you know if perhaps there is a place like Walmart that would allow me to stay for a bit?<br>

 

[MargaretA]

Animeman, there are people who park at Wal-Mart for long periods - like several weeks - but I think it depends on the individual store and how picky they are about that. I do know of people who move around, from one Wal-Mart to another, so if you're going to be in an area where there are several that might be a possibility. Keep in mind though that they don't all allow RV parking; there are lots of variables that affect that (like for example who owns the land the store is occupying). Try doing a search for "Wal-Mart RV parking" and see what comes up; there may be sites with more information on that.<br><br>Meg<br><br>

 

[cyndi]

<FONT size=3>This link provides a list of Walmarts, by state, that DO NOT allow over night parking. I have no idea how frequently it's updated</FONT><br><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><A href="http://www.walmartatlas.com/no-park-walmarts" target=_blank><FONT size=3>http://www.walmartatlas.com/no-park-walmarts</FONT></A><br><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT size=3>And freecampsites.net lists 49 free/cheap boondocking sites in Florida</FONT><br><A href="http://freecampsites.net/attribute/states/fl/" target=_blank><FONT size=3>http://freecampsites.net/attribute/states/fl/</FONT></A><br>

 

[Dust of the Sun]

I lived in Orlando for 22 years and can tell you the dirty secret of O Town is crime...there are many parts of the metro area where you are just not safe, period. . Many of the shopping center parking lots see armed robberies daily. You had better do some serious research on this topic and KNOW exactly what the situation is in any given locale in Orlando. Plus there are a ZILLION cops, yet crime is bad and worsening...stealth parking in Orlando is not something to be taken lightly. Please excuse the negative tone of this post but I KNOW what I'm talking about. I know most all of the areas so you'd be welcome to ask me specifics. Even in the tonier areas of Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill and Windermere there are now armed robberies constantly and burglaries are through the roof. A realtor friend of mine knows at least 50 cops there and you would't believe what they say. PLEASE approach this with caution. Of course this could be said of all cities to a degree but Orlando squashes full crime reporting due to pressure from the tourism industry led by Disney. <br>

 

[Guest]

Just a note about the link Cyndi posted regarding Walmarts that DON'T allow overnite parking....I went to several on the list and found that actually I could park overnite. I don't think the list is good for planning a trip, etc. I would go to any of them and ask if you could.<br>I have never stayed in a Walmart that I did not ask someone in the store first....I know a lot of people do but I don't...I hate getting woken in the middle of the night and told to move on...just my preference. <br>As usual, YMMV...<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[Guest]

Alright ill do some more research as about the crime couldn't you just carry a gun? Since it is a rv/van having on in your "home" should not be illegal or is it down there? <br>

 

[Guest]

Alright ill do some more research as about the crime couldn't you just carry a gun? Since it is a rv/van having on in your "home" should not be illegal or is it down there? <br>

<br><br>"First it must be "securely encased." This means in a center console, in a snapped holster, in a glove box, etc. <br><br>

<br>I shortened for ease of use but so basically you can but it has to be concealed?? Does that mean I need a permit like in Michigan we have to take a class and all that fun stuff. <br>

 

[Guest]

<font face="Arial" size="4"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/FLSL.pdf">http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/FLSL.pdf</a></font><br><font face="Arial"><b><br>FLORIDA GUN LAWS</b></font><br><br>

 

[lampliter]

I hate to be the one to throw water on your ideas; but, I lived in Florida for 37 loooong years. It is not a good place to be, trust me, it's way overcrowded and full of crooks and other unsavory characters. My recommendation is don't go there.<br>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

<FONT size=3><b>I have Orlando beat, Dayton is # 20.&nbsp; Won't suprise me if we get a lower number for 2012.</b></FONT><br><FONT size=3><b>Yeah, I want out.</b></FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp; <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif"><br>

 

[lampliter]

when I started living there in the late 60's it was quite a beautiful place with a great vibe; then they started building, and building, and building. Then the laws began- no fires on the beach, no overnight parking on the beach, no vehicles beyond this point, pretty soon there was no green, just parking lots and malls and houses and jet skis on the Weeki-Wachi. (A river in central Fl). I became trapped and had nowhere to go(no money and a family). So I stayed--, the last 15 years were very dissapointing as I watched "The Rape of Ms Sunshine".<br>

 

[k&p Catalano]

I realize this post was last active in 2011, but felt I had to comment about Orlando. In 2002 I moved there to go to school. My daughter and I were excited...We kept singing 'I'm going to Disneyland'...that sentiment lasted exactly 5 minutes after we arrived.&nbsp;<br><br>We pulled in for gas at around 3pm and were promptly robbed...broad daylight, busy street, at the gas pump. After we moved into our apartment we were serenaded by a non stop chorus of sirens... 24/7...<br><br>Many was the time I &nbsp;stepped out onto my enclosed patio to find myself center stage under a police helicopter spotlight...the never-ending search for n'ere-do-wells...well...never ended.<br><br>Left my gated apartment complex to run to 7/11 (2 blocks down the road) In the ten minutes I was gone, the entire complex was surrounded and locked down by an army of law enforcement...apparently the sniper that lived just across the street from me decided to shoot off more than his mouth.<br><br>And don't get me started on Driving Conditions in Orlando...suffice to say I was struck 5 times in my vehicle (While stopped at a red light), my daughter was run down while she was on the sidewalk (she survived...her bike did not) by someone who thought it was 'just another lane' and we lost one instructor and six students in the first year I was there (yes...they died)...<br><br>I would advise anyone going there to think it through very carefully...Do your research...I wish I had.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Wow, I'm sorry you had to experience all of that, k&amp;p. This is also my first time reading this thread, and I agree, Orlando is a mess.<br><br>However, don't let one miserably overcrowded city spoil the whole state for you. There are many nice, low crime areas to live (or visit) in Florida - O-Town is just not one of them - most of them are in the north central to northern part of the state (MO).&nbsp;

 

[k&p Catalano]

It's pretty much just Orlando that I remain so wary of...this from someone who drove a 'Hound' professionally for several years. DC, NYC, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Nashville, Jax and everything in between those cities...never had a problem...Orlando is a special case.<br><br>There are many places in Florida I'm terribly fond of...St. Augustine, Sanibel, Treasure Island, and my UBER-Fave--Mt. Dora--and in the Keys...The NO Name Pub on Big Pine Key (Best Pizza in the World...transcendent!)&nbsp;<br>NO Name Pub Info<br><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Address:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043<br></span><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 4px; padding-top: 4px;"><span style="margin-right: 4px;">Phone:</span>(305) 872-9115<br><br>Hmmm...feel a road trip coming on...keys are a bit out of reach at the moment...but Mt. Dora is only 2 hrs...If you are ever there... I recommend seeking out a restaurant hidden away down an alley called &nbsp;'The Goblin Market', the name is taken from the title of a <span style="color: #993366;"><a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/174262" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #993366;">14 page poem</span></a></span>. Basically what they are saying is that is that once you taste the food (magical)&nbsp;<br>you will crave it to the end of your days...<br>k</div>

 

[Lostinspace]

Well I worked there, O town, for ten years. Traffic is horrendous. You end up using back streets to get around, it's not too hard once you find your way. Stay away from International drive it's a magnet for crime. And there's another north/south road, can't remember the name where the street walkers are prevalent. It's not safe.

I lived on Merritt Island and commuted to Orlando. Never was robbed or threatened in any way. You just learn the places to stay away from. Disneyworld is great as well as Universal. Just expect to spend some money. Both parks make a big effort to have a safe experience for patrons.

Wouldn't want to live in Orlando but a great place to visit. The beach is much nicer though.

Parts of the west coast of Florida are great. The keys of course are great. Do the Duval crawl at least once in your life. People watch all the unusual folk.

Central Florida in the Ocala area is horse country. Lots to see. Ocala NF is a good wintering site.

I'm in the NW part of the state now because my deceased wife wanted a farm. It's nice and quiet.

Lived in central Florida for 23 years and enjoyed it immensely, 1978-2001. Been up here for the other 12 years.

It's a great state. Stay away from the Miami area. Too crowded, makes Orlando look like a kiddy playground for crazy traffic.

 

[k&p Catalano]

Hi Wade,<br>You are so right about having to use the back streets. Got those memorized like the back of my hand. I think the road you refer to that you can't remember is 'OBT' (Orange Blossom Trail, US RT 441). Whenever I have to go there I still stick to the back ways.&nbsp;<br><br>I agree that Disney and Universal are great- We stayed at the the<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/r...NC-WDW13_FY_FW_FL_BR|G|4131320.RR.AM.01.02K3X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Disney Fort Wilderness</a><span style="color: #008000;"><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/r...NC-WDW13_FY_FW_FL_BR|G|4131320.RR.AM.01.02K3X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Campground</a>&nbsp;<span style="color: #000000;">as guests of 'P's' Mom. Could not have afforded too otherwise. Rode the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/disneys-fort-wilderness-resort-lake-buena-vista" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free</a>&nbsp;Ferry Service between the campground and different attractions. Never went to the attractions but riding the boat around (especially at night) and watching the 'lit water parade' and the fireworks was fantastic.<br><br><span style="font-size: medium; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #993300;">I just wish I hadn't moved to Orlando under such a cloak of naivete&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"></span>&nbsp;</span></span>. But I take full responsibility. I should have done my homework. I didn't...It was a very hard lesson to learn. I guess I had my "<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Disney-Mickey-Mouse-eyeshade-eye-sleep-mask-eye-mask-/151073160739" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mickey Mouse</a>" blinders on.<br><br>Again you are correct in saying that Everyone should do a Duval Crawl at least once in your life. It is a Unique experience! and lest we forget&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hemingwayhome.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hemingway's House</a>...I could go to Key West just to hang out with the ghost of <span style="color: #00ccff;"><a href="http://www.timelesshemingway.com/content/lifefaq#nicknames" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #00ccff;">Papa</span></a></span>&nbsp;and the living descendants of his many 6-toed cats. The house cast such a spell over me that I could barely drag myself away...<br><br><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-large; font-family: helvetica;">a tip about getting to the keys</span></em></span>. I made the mistake of thinking I'd save a few bucks avoiding the toll road around Miami by staying on RT 1....four extra hours and a billion red lights,&nbsp;set at 20 second intervals, later...<br><br>k

 

[James AKA Lynx]

There is still a ferry that runs to key west and Air planes. However you would miss the rest of the keys.<br><br>James AKA Lynx